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Feng Shui Q & A

Ask the Practitioner

My resolution for 2008 is to exercise regularly. I would like to have a weight bench and some other equipment but I do not have an unused room to make into a home gym. You have written that exercise equipment should be kept out of the bedroom, but how about the living room? Understand that it would take up half of the room. If you recommend joining a gym, then I will, but I feel I will work out more regularly at home, and I want to make that my priority.

Chris,

Brooklyn, NY

Dear Chris,

I think your commitment to fitness is great! And, along with that sense of determination, I see no problem in turning half your living room into a workout area. I suggest, though, that you make another commitment in conjunction with your New Year’s resolution – if you should change your focus and your home gym falls into disuse, then it has to go. It would be terrible to share your living room with the world’s largest paperweight. Hopefully that will not happen and this second commitment will only help you stick to your goal. If you have downstairs neighbors, you might want to talk to them before acquiring the equipment. They may experience some noise and would very likely appreciate being consulted first.

CAN AN APARTMENT BE FATTENING?

Dear Practitioner,

Since moving to my present apartment nearly two years ago, I have gradually gained weight. There have been no other major changes in my life during this period, and my husband has not gained weight at all. Can the Feng Shui of an apartment lead to weight gain? If so, what should I do?

Perplexed in Bergen County,

Mahwah, NJ

Dear Perplexed,

As human beings, we are very sensitive organisms and we can gain weight as a result of many different factors or a combination of factors – environmental, emotional, physical and more. Sometimes,people gain weight in order to add a layer of "protection" to their body because they are feeling emotionally vulnerable. Others reach a time in life where their metabolism slows down and that can best be modified by exercise or a change in diet. To answer your question, yes, your home can contribute to weight gain. Here are some key things to look for. Is the kitchen in the center of the house? Is the kitchen seen immediately upon entering the apartment? Do you pass through the kitchen when traveling from one important area of the apartment to another? Any of these can cause eating to be a high priority on your subconscious mind. If this is the case, try to make the kitchen less conspicuous. Sometimes, a folding door or bamboo curtain can make the kitchen less visible from elsewhere in the house. It may help to keep the food concealed in the pantry, and to have neat covers over the stove burners, making the room a bit less "kitcheny" other than at mealtimes. As for your husband, it is not surprising that you gained weight and he did not. Individuals vary greatly in their sensitivity or reactions to environmental factors.

NO CHILDREN IN THE CHARTS

Dear Practitioner,

My husband and I recently had our Four Pillars charts done and they both showed that we will have no children. The fortune teller told me that there is no way to change this and that even adoption may not be advisable since it is going "against destiny". We have our hearts set on raising a family with two children or maybe more. What do you suggest we do in this case?

R.G.

New York, NY

Dear R.G.,

Four Pillars of Destiny, also known as Ba Zhi (8 characters), is a generally accurate method of Chinese fortune telling and character analysis. Nevertheless, it is not an exact science. Aspects of an individual’s life can show up in a number of different ways in the charts or not at all. I have seen many cases of couples whose charts have not shown children yet who have healthy and happy children. I suggest that you forget about this analysis and about the fortune teller’s unfortunate and uncalled for comments. Start to plan, and even prepare, your home’s nursery as a powerful message to the universe that you are "expecting".

Aaron Lee Koch is a Master Feng Shui Practitioner, and Director of The American School of Classical Feng Shui. He is available for home and business consultations throughout our area, and may be reached at 607-722-8988 or 718-288-1058, e-mail: FengShui@AmeriChi.com, web site: www.AmeriChi.com. As many questions as space permits will be answered through this column. Questions may be e-mailed or mailed to Aaron at AmeriChi Feng Shui, PO Box 983, Vestal, NY 13851-0983.